Building unit



3, 1940. w. H. SPAULDING I 2,211,521

BUILDING UNIT Filed April 8, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet l Aug. 13, 1 I w. H. SPAULDING BUILDING UNIT Filed April 8, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 13, 1940. w. H. SPAULDING BUILDING UNIT Filed April 8, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Aug. 13, 1940 PATENT OFFICE BUILDING UNIT Wellington H. Spaulding, West Hempstead, Long Island, N. Y.

Application April 8, 1939, Serial No. 266,880

19 Claims.

This invention applies to pre-formed building units of various sizes and shapes, constructed of various materials including clay products such as bricks, tile, terra cotta blocks, etc., cement produtcs such as bricks, blocks, tile, etc., artificial stone, glass, etc., used in constructing exterior walls of buildings and adapted to be laid in horizontal courses in single units in depth or in combination with other back-up units or construction, with superposed courses breaking vertical joints with adjacent courses below, and with bonding material, such as mortar, cement mixture, or the like, interposed between the horizontal courses and between the vertical endsurfaces of adjacent units-the units being thus disposed in relationship to each other and to the interposed bonding material'in a manner similar to bricks or blocks in ordinary masonry walls.

-It is to be understood that the term Building unit as used herein refers to all units such as the aforesaid irrespective of their specific dimentions, materials of which made, etc.

Seepage or percolation of water or moisture through ordinary masonry walls from theexterior 25 surface to the interior thereof usually occurs at the horizontal and vertical joints between the individual units, blocks, or bricks, and is due principally to shrinking of the bonding or joining material or is due to inferior workmanship in failing to fill properly all of the joints, etc. Furthermore, such seepage or percolation of water is increased by wind pressure.

The general object of this invention is to provide building units, blocks, bricks, or the like, 3 which when used in constructing a wall will prevent seepage or percolation of water or moisture from passing from the exterior surface of the wall to the interior thereof.

The aforesaid and other objects and advantages realized by this invention will be further understood by reference to the accompanying drawings which show illustrative embodiments of the features thereof in units, blocks, or bricks, using for the purpose of illustration a unit of the general dimensions of ordinary brick.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Ser. No. 230,333, filed Sept. 16, 1938.

In said drawings:

5 Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a unit, block, or

brick with accompanying dam;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the same;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the same;

Fig.5 is a transverse. section through two units showing their relative positions in a wall structure, the mortar or other bonding material occupying the horizontal space and the back-up units or construction not being shown;

Fig. 6 is an elevation of the dam; 5

'Fig. 6a is a cross section thereof;

Fig. 7 is an isometric view, looking upward in the direction of the arrow and from the exterior of the corner of a wall structure, the mortar or other bonding material between horizontal courses of units and between the end faces of adjacent units in the same courses not being shown;

Fig. 8 is an isometric view corresponding to Fig. 7, but looking downward in the direction of the arrow;

Fig. 9 is an isometric view looking downward showing a full bond double face header the mortar or bonding material not being shown;

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a full bond ordinary header; and

Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a short header.

Figs. 12 to 170. inclusive illustrate another embodiment of the invention, whereof Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a unit, block, or brick with an accompanying dam;

Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the same;

Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the same;

Fig. 15 is an end elevation of the same;

Fig. 16 is a transverse section through two units showing their relative positionsin a wall structure, the mortar or other bonding material occupying the horizontal space and the back-up units or construction not being shown; and

Fig. 1'1 is an elevation of the dam;

Fig. 17a. is a top plan view thereof.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 9 of the drawings. I2 is the main body of a unit of parallelepiped outline intended to be of the general dimensions of an ordinary brick, that is, eight inches long and 40 two and one-quarter inches thick at the front face of the unit, and of a width (distance between front and rear faces) of three and three-quarters of an inch. I3 is the top surface of the unit. I4 is a longitudinal ridge or flange projecting upwardly on the unit near or contiguous to its rear edge or face and to the rear of top surface I3. I5 and I6 are transverse ridges or flanges projecting upwardly on the unit near or contiguous to its end edges or faces respectively. At their rear ends the transverse ridges I5 and I6 join the ends respectively of the longitudinal ridge I4, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1. At their forward ends transverse ridges I5 and I6 terminate a short distance back of the forward edge or'face of the be relatively large as compared with the combined areas of the top surfaces of flanges It, I5 and I6; say preferably 82% to 18%.

At each end face of the unit there is a vertical groove or channel 20, preferably of semi-circular cross-section. I1 is a longitudinal recess or groove at the under side of the unit near or contiguous to its rear side or face. The bottom surface of the unit forward of said recess I1 is depressed or dished at I8 forming a surrounding rim or border I9.

In Fig. 5 two units I2, I2 are shown in transverse cross-section and as positioned in superposed relationship separated by a space which would be filled by suitable bonding material or mortar in an actual wall structure. said material extending upward into the depression I8 and longitudinal recess or groove I! on the under side of the upper unit.

Figs. 6 and 60 show an elevation and crosssection in plan of what is termed herein a dam 25, preferably elliptical on two sides and tapered two sides, of a length approximately equal to the vertical thickness of the units, which in the type r of building unit illustrated is intended to be two and one-quarter inches, and of the same material as the unit or of metal. As illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9 this dam is to be inserted into the bonding material (not shown) between the end faces of the two units including the space formed by the opposite vertical channels or grooves 20, 20 in the end faces of the units, thereby compacting the bonding material and forcing the displaced portions into the crossjoints, which strengthens the wall by interlocking and uniting the units at each cross joint.

Fig. 7 shows an isometric view (looking upward) of a fragmentary portion of a corner of a wall constructed of units of this invention. The under sides of the units of the lowermost course of units are shown as if the portion of wall were suspended in space and the bonding material or mortar between units omitted. Fig. 8 is another isometric view looking downward of a similar fragmentary portion of a corner of a wall, the top sides of the uppermost courses of units being shown with the bonding material or mortar omitted. As shown in these Figs. 7 and 8, the units I2a which are positioned at the very corner of the wall are of slightly different design from the regular unit I2. The end faces of units I2a are plane; that is, the vertical grooves or channels 20 of units I 2 are omitted. At the under side of each unit I2a, as shown in Fig. 7, there is a longitudinal recess or groove Ila, a depression I8a, and rims I9a, corresponding to IT, I8 and III of unit I2; but there are extensions Iflaa, ISaa of rim I90, across the ends respectively of groove IIa. At the upper surface of each unit I 20., as shown in Fig. 8, there is a top surface I3a, a longitudinal ridge Ma, and transverse ridges I5a and IGa, all corresponding to I3, I4, I5 and I6 of unit I 2; but the longitudinal ridge Ila in this instance terminates slightly back of the end faces of the unit I2a and the transverse ridges I5a and IE1: are also likewise located slightly back of said end faces.

Fig. 9 shows an isometric view (looking downward) of a fragmentary portion of a wall showing a full bond double face header, unit I2b. At

the upper surface of each unit I2b there is a top surface I3b, a longitudinal ridge Nb, and transverse ridges I5b and I61), these transverse ridges being the same height at their rear as longitudinal ridge Mb, otherwise all corresponding to I3, I4, I5 and I6 of unit I2. At the under side of unit I2b there is a depression I8b and a rim I911, IE2) at front and rear edges only, the longitudinal recess or groove at rear and the rims at ends being omitted in this unit. At each end face there is a vertical channel or groove 20b, 20b corresponding to 20, 20 of unit I2.

Fig. 10 shows an isometric View (looking downward) of a full bond ordinary header unit I 20.

At the upper surface of unit I there is a top surface I30, a longitudinal ridge I40 and transverse ridges I50 and I60, all corresponding to I31), Idb, I51) and I6b of unit I2b. At the under side of unit I20 there is a depression I80, and a rim I90, I90 at the front and rear edges only, all corresponding to I82) and I917, I912 of unit I2b. At each end face there is a vertical channel or groove 200, 200 corresponding to 20b, 20b of unit I2b.

Fig. 11 shows an isometric view (looking downward) of a short header unit I2d, corresponding to a snap header in ordinary masonry. At the upper surface of unit I2d there is a top surface I 311, a longitudinal ridge Idol and transverse ridges I 5d and I 611 all corresponding to I 3, I4, I5 and I6 of unit I 2. At the under side of unit I2d there is a longitudinal recess or groove IId, a depression I 8d, rims I 9d (at front, ends and rear) and vertical channels or grooves 20d, 20d, all corresponding to I1, I8, I9, and 20, 2B of unit I2.

With the units laid in courses and with the superposed courses breaking vertical joints with adjacent courses as shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, seepage or percolation of water or moisture through the vertical joints between ends of units is prevented by the dam from passing into the interior. seepage or percolation of water or moisture through the joints between horizontal courses will be prevented from passing into the interior by the longitudinal ridge I4 of the units and will be stopped or prevented from passing or flowing off the ends of the unit by the transverse ridges I5 and I6. Such water as has entered the vertical joints and which has been stopped by the dam 25 will gravitate downward to the top surface I3 of the unit below and will be prevented from passing into the interior in like manner. Furthermore, as this surface I3 is unrestricted at the front edge of the unit, water or moisture from seepage or percolation collecting on this surface will gravitate to the outer surface or face of the wall. This prevents the accumulation of any appreciable amount of water within the wall as each individual unit will receive and dispose of any seepage or percolation which may occur in the joints above it.

Units I2a, I21), I20 and I2d having the same features as unit I2, will function in like manner but are of different design to fulfill specific uses as illustrated.

Referring to Figs. 12 to 17a, I2 (corresponding to I2 of Figs. 1-11) is the main body of the unit of parallelepiped outline intended to be of the general dimensions (hereinbefore given) of an ordinary brick. The top surface I3, longitudinal ridge or flange I4, transverse ridges or flanges Ii and I6 are the same as parts designated by thos reference numerals in Figs. 1-11.

At each end face of the unit there is a vertical groove or channel 2|! (corresponding to groove 20 in Figs. 1-7), of semi-circular cross-section tapering from top to bottom, the radius at the top being greater than at the bottom.

26 and 21 are two projections or barriers, preferably formed as integral parts of the unit, projecting from the end faces and bottom of the unit, and extending continuously from the top surface of transverse ridge l5 down the left-hand end face of the unit, around the bottom corner, along the full length of bottom, around the bottom corner of the right-hand end face and up that end face to the top surface of the transverse ridge I6. 28 is a V-shaped surface extending longitudinally along and projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the unit between and parallel to the two barriers 26 and 21. 29 is a longitudinal ridge projecting downwardly on the bottom surface of the unit contiguous to its front edge. 30 is a sloping surface at the rear of the bottom surface of the unit, which decreases the height of the rear face of the unit so that when units are laid in courses the thickness of the rear face of the horizontal joint between units is approximately the same as the front face of the joint, thus facilitating the laying of the units in courses.

3|, 3| and 32, 32, 32 are barriers or projections projecting from the top surface 13 of the unit, and extending parallel to the rear and front faces thereof, barriers 32, 32, 32 being to the rear and in three sections, the middle barrier 32 being about twice the length of the two end barriers 32, 32. Barriers 3!, 3| are located toward the front of the unit and are of equal lengths. These barriers 3| and 32 are located back from the front and rear edges of the unit at about the same distances respectively as the end barriers 26 and 21, so that when the units are laid in courses, barriers 3i will be in approximate alinement with and below' barrier 26 of units above, and barriers 32 will be in approximate alinement with and below barrier 21 of units above.

In Fig. 16 two units I2 l2 are shown in transverse cross-section. and as positioned in superposed relationship separated by a space which would be filled by suitable bonding material or mortar in an actual wall structure. Figs. 17 and 17a show an elevation and top plan view of what is termed herein a dam 25 (corresponding to dam 25 of Figs. 1-7), conical in shape and of a length approximately equal to the vertical thickness of the units, and of the same or similar material as the units, or of metal. As illustrated in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, this dam is to be inserted into the bonding material (not shown) in the circular, tapering space formed by the opposite vertical channels or grooves 20 20 in the end'faces of theunits.

Continuing with particular reference to Figs. 12 to 17a, the first paragraph of the introduction to A Study of the Properties of Mortars and Bricks and their Relation to Bond (Research Paper RP 683, Part of Bureau of Standards Journal of Research, vol. 12, May, 1934) reads as follows: It has been the consensus of opinion among recent writers that the points in brickwork most accessible to the entrance of water are the junctures of brick and mortar. Laboratory data as well as field observations have supported this view.

The usual procedure in ,laying the present types of clay or cement bricks, building blocks, etc., is to'spread a layer of mortar one unit wide on the wall or structure upon which the bricks are to be laid. The end of the brick which comes in contact with the brick previously laid is "buttered with mortar, the brick is then embedded in the mortar and placed in position by using preferably a sliding or shoving motion toward the brick previously laid. Any excess mortar which is forced out of the face of the mortar joint being struck or cut off with a trowel. The purpose of this shoving action is to cause the mortar to adhere more firmly to the bottom of the brick and also to partially fill the endor vertical joint between the adjacent bricks. This procedure is repeated for all bricks in the outer faces of the wall. If the wall is more than two units in thickness the inner course is laid in a similar manner, except that the end is usually not "buttered and there is no excess mortar to be struck" or cut off. In some classes of work the exposed joints are struck or compressed with a special tool after the mortar has partially set. In practice the above method often has the following unfortunate results:

The end of the brick is not completely covered with the proper thickness or amount of mortar by buttering, therefore the vertical joints are not completely filled, leaving a hollow space or void in the majority of vertical joints. Also'due to the placing or buttering" of the mortar on one brick and this mortar'contacting the brick previously laid only by being placed or pushed against it, there is a tendency for this side of the vertical joint to open, due to lack of bond, shrinkage of the mortar in setting and as the results of atmospheric temperature changes. In actual construction it is very difficult to induce the mechanics to employ the proper shoving action with the ordinary form of brick, also in lining up the face of the outside bricks with those previously laid the brick is often moved after being placed on the mortar bed. This lack of, or improper shoving or moving of the brick results in a poor or defective bond between the mortar bed and the brick, thus forming a defective or weak point in the wall through which water may pass. In order to make easier the laying of the bricks in a bed of mortar, it is common practice for the mechanic after the bed mortar is, laid, to work the point of his trowel down'the center of the mortar bed, forming a V-shaped depression in the mortar, so that when the brick is laid it contacts mortar only near its two edges. This leaves a hollow space or voidin the bed joint under each brick resulting in another weak joint due to partial contact, similar to the hollow ver- '3' tical joint previously described.

The mortars, used vare almost universally a combination of Portland cement and sand with admixtures of lime and/or other materials. In

is generally sufficient to cause a minute crack;

This crack usually occurs at the surface having the poorest adhesion or. bond to the brick, gental joints and at the unbuttered side in the vertical joints. Due to the flat surfaces of ordinary bricks or building blocks this crack is a straight erally at the bottom of the brick in the horizonplane through the thickness of the unit. The shrinkage of the mortar on the exposed face of the wall is apparently increased by exposure to the air and its consequent rapid drying. Consequently where hollow spaces or voids exist in either the vertical or horizontal joints the Water which penetrates through the cracks between the brick and the mortar at the exposed face collects in these voids and eventually penetrates through the wall or in freezing weather freezes, expands and further ruptures the mortar joints thereby increasing the openings for greater future penetration.

The foregoing description of the common faults and resulting weakness explains the principal reasons for water penetrating ordinary brick or block walls. These weaknesses are increased with the passage of time due to the effects of atmospheric temperature changes which causes the -wall to expand, thereby increasing the cracks in the vertical joints, and the freezing and consequent expansion of the water which has entered the wall which rup'tures the mortar in the joints, further increasing the openings in and through the joints.

One of the commonly observed effects of water entering a wall is the formation of efliorescence on the face of the wall, disfiguring its appearance. This is often emphasized at joints where metal fiashings are located due to the water which has entered through the many small faults in the face of the wall over, descending within the wall, concentrating on the top surface of the flashing and being forced to the face of the wall by the flashing.

This concentration of water within a wall caused by metal flashing pans or courses often results in leaks in brick walls due to the fact that when the brickwork above the flashing permits enough water to enter, descend and accumulate on the flashing, which cannot drain outward to the face of the wall as fast as it collects, 'it will rise over the back of the flashing and enter the inside of the wall.

The purpose of the embodiment of the present invention which is particularly illustrated in Figs. 12 to 17a, is to overcome the foregoing difficulties without changing the established methods of laying bricks, blocks, etc. Each of the features of this invention has a distinct part and serves a unique purpose in overcoming some faults in ordinary construction methods resulting in the penetration of moisture and water.

As with the ordinary brick or block these units are to be laid with a sliding or shoving motion toward the unit previously laid. Due. to the decreased friction caused by the projecting surfaces of barriers 26 and 21 and beveled surface 0 28, the mechanic is encouraged to use the preferred method of shoving the bricks in a proper manner. This shoving and rubbing action of the deformed shapes and surfaces on the mortar bed creates better adhesion to the mortar thereby resulting in a more perfect bond to the bottom of this unit. This bond is also increased by the increased area due to this deformed surface. This deformed surface also facilitates the proper bedding of the brick as it offers spaces into which the mortar may bedisplaced, thus eliminating the need for forming a V-shapeddepression with the trowel in the'top of the mortar bed now commonly formed by mechanics in order more easily to bed the flat surface of the ordinary bricks,- blocks, etc. This deformed surface also creates a more diflicult and tortuous path to the passage of moisture or water.

Due to the barriers 3| and 32 being positioned approximately opposite to barriers 26 and 21 on the bottom surface of the unit above, the thickness of the mortar between these barriers which extend along about of the top surface of the unit, is about one-half of the usual thickness of a mortar joint, thereby decreasing the shrinkage and consequent crack. Also as these restricted areas are within the interior of the mortar joints and protected from rapid drying the shinkage is reduced to a minimum.

These units are to have the end which is to contact the unit previously laid buttered" with mortar as in ordinary bricklaying. This mortar will be placed on the two flat surfaces contiguous to the outer corners and then the unit shoved on its bed to its flnal position as previously described. The space formed by the two vertical channels or grooves is now partially filled with mortar and the dam 25 pushed down into the mortar. This compacts and displaces some of the mortar causing it to squeeze out through the restricted spaces between barriers 26 and 21. This displacement of mortar is designed to and creates better adhesion between the mortar and the surfaces of channels 20*, 2|) and barriers 26, 21, also the complete filling of the vertical joint is assured. This is especially vital as the principal troubles with brickwork is due to the failure to fill, or improper filling of, the vertical joints. Due to the restricted spaces between barriers 26 and 21 and between the dam 25 and the channels 20 20, which are about one-third of the width of the vertical joint, the shrinkage at these points will be about one-third the shrinkage of an ordinary mortar joint. These restricted mortar spaces are in the interior of the joint and protected from rapid drying, thereby reducing the shinkage to a minimum. These deformed surfaces also present a more difficult and ttortuous path to the passage of moisture or wa- Barriers 26 and 21 on ends and bottom of the unit extend continuously around the bottom corners of the unit thus preventing water creeping along the bottom corners of the unit into the interior of the joint. This is one of the most common avenues of entry for moisture or water in ordinary brickwork due to the junction of the cracks formed by shrinkage at the end and bottom of the brick.

On the top surface l3 of the unit are barriers 3|, 3| and 32, 32, 32, and transverse ridges l5 and I6 which in conjunction with barriers 26 and 21 on the units over, form restricted spaces in the horizontal joints. The openings between barriers 32, 32, 32 and 3|, 3| are to permit the escape of water which may collect on the top surface due to absorption of moisture by the mortar or unit over. Due to the action of the top surface of each individual unit in restricting the escape of moisture or water to passage off the forward edge of surface |3 as hereinbefore described, the amount of water to be thus restricted is small, i. e. only that which can enter the joint immediately over the individual unit. This preverition of moisture from entering a wall in turn would greatly reduce the amount of eiiiorescence.

Due to the barriers, restricted passages, etc., hereinbefore described, it can be readily seen that the penetration of moisture or water is restricted to the outer third of the unit and that such moisture as may penetrate this distance'is collected at each individual unit and returned to the outer face thereof, preventing concentrations within the wall and at flashing courses, etc. Also the features which prevent the penetration of moisture are so located within the interior of the wall that the mortar at these points is protected from too rapid drying.

These units are designed to be laid by mechanics skilled in wall construction, using the usual methods, in any bond desired, with exposed joints struck in any form desired, in any number of units in depth or bonded to any of the usual back-up materials or to form a veneer on masonry, concrete or frame construction or in one unit in depth or thickness. Walls constructed of these units have the same appearance as walls of similar materials of the ordinary forms. These units can be manufactured of any material that is moulded, cast, out or formed that is suitable for the purpose. It being understood that changes in form, proportion, size, minor details,-

special shapes as are required as headers, corner units, etc., incorporating the same principles may be made within the scope of the specification and claims, without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention. These units are designed for'use in constructing exterior walls or walls where protection from moisture is required. v

Application of this invention to various sizes and shapes and to various materials will necessitate variations in the proportions of the dams, depressions, ridges, grooves, etc.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A building unit having a top surface extending to the forward edge or side of the unit; a longitudinal ridge or flange projecting upwardly from the unit higher than said top sur- 'face and-located near the rear edge of the unit; and transverse ridges or flanges projecting upwardly from the unit near the end edges or sides respectively of the unit.

2. A building unit such as defined in claim 1, having vertical channels or grooves at each end face of the unit.

3. A building unit such as defined in claim 1, having vertical channels or grooves at each end face of the unit, and dams adapted to be located in said channels or grooves.-

4. A wall construction including in combina tion, a plurality of building units each having a top surface extending to the forward edge or side of the unit, a longitudinal ridge or flange projecting upwardly from the unit higher than said top surface and located at or near the rear of the unit, transverse ridges or flanges projecting upwardly from the unit near the end edges respectively thereof, and a vertical grooveor channel at each end face of the unit, said units being laid in courses with the vertical grooves at adjacent end faces of the units positioned opposite each other; and dams located respectively in the spaces formed by said opposed vertical grooves and embedded in bonding material interposed between the end faces of the units.

5. A building unit such as defined in claim 1, having projections or barriers on the top surface thereof, said projections or barriers being located lengthwise of the unit a distance from the forward and rearward edges of said top surface, and terminating a distance from the said transverse ridges or flanges.

6. A building unit such as defined in claim 1, having'one or more vertical or approximately vertical channels or grooves at one or more vertical faces of the unit, and one or more vertical or approximately vertical projections or barriers at or near one or both edges of said channels or grooves.

7. A wall construction including in combination a plurality of building units laid in a bonding material each having a top surface extending to the forward edge or side of the unit, a longitudinal ridge or flange located at or near the rear edge of said top surface and transverse ridges or flanges located at or near the end edges respectivelyof said top surface, said longitudinal and transverse ridges or flanges projecting upwardly from the top surface of the unit, two rows ,v of intermittent projections or barriers projecting upwardly from the top surface of the unit, and two continuous barriers or projections extending around the ends and bottom of the unit, a vertical tapering groove or channel at each end face of the unit located between said two continuous barriers, said units being laid in courses with the vertical barriers and grooves at adjacent end faces of the units positioned opposite each other, and dams located in the tapering circular spaces formed by said vertical barriers and grooves and embedded in the bonding material interposed between the end faces of the units.

8. A wall construction including in combination a plurality of building units laid in a bonding material with opposing vertical surfaces of adjacent units forming vertical joints, said units having two or more approximately vertical barriers projecting from at least one of said opposing surfaces, and dams located in the spaces formed between said barriers and embedded in said bonding material, said barriers and said dams preventing the passage of moisture through said vertical joints.

9. A wall construction including in combination, a plurality of building units laid in a bonding material, said units having one or more longitudinal barriers on their top and bottom surfaces respectively, said top barriers being in register with said bottom barriers,

10. A wall construction including in combination, a plurality of building units laid in a bonding material, said units having one or more approximately vertical barriers on one-ormore of the vertical faces of saidrunits which form vertical joints with adjacent units, said barriers on one unit being in register with those on an adjacent unit.

11. A wall construction including in combination, a plurality of building units laid in a bonding material, said units having one or more longitudinal barriers on their top and bottom surfaces respectively, and one or more approximately vertical barriers on the vertical surfaces of said units which form vertical joints with adjacent units, the said top and bottom barriers and the approximately vertical barriers of adjacent units being in register.

12. A wall construction including in combination a plurality of building units laid in a bonding material, saidunits having one or more faces forming vertical joints with opposing faces of adjacent units, one or more of said faces having an approximately vertical channel or groove therein and projecting vertical barriers located at or near either side of said grooves or channels; and dams embedded in said bonding material located in the spaces formed bysaid channels and barriers.

13..Awall construction according to claim 12,

the said channels being tapered, and the said dams being conical.

14. A building unit having a surface adapted to form a vertical joint with an adjacent unit in a wall construction, said surface having an approximately vertical channel therein and an approximately vertical barrier located directly adjacent to said channel.

15. A building unit having a surface adapted to form a vertical joint with an adjacent unit in a wall construction, said surface having an approximately vertical channel therein and an approximately vertical barrier adjacent said channel, said unit having also a longitudinal barrier on its bottom surface.

16. A wall construction including in combination a plurality of building units laid in a bonding material with opposing vertical surfaces of adjacent units forming vertical joints, said units having an approximately vertical channel extending from top to bottom of at least one of said vertical surfaces, the width of said channel diminishing from the top downwards, and tapered dams embedded in the bonding material, located in the spaces formed by said vertical channels,

17. A building unit having projections or barriers located lengthwise of the bottom surface and disposed at distance from the front and rear edges thereof, said projections or barriers consisting of a pair of barriers and a V-shaped projection located between said barriers and preventing the passage of moisture when the unit is laid in a wall construction.

18. A building unit having a surface adapted" near the back edge thereof, and transverse ridges or flanges projecting upwardly from the unit higher than said top surface, each of said transverse ridges or flanges having an end con-- nected to said longitudinal ridge or flange, the said ridges or flanges together providing means to oppose the passage of moisture beyond the area of said top surface bounded thereby,

WELLINGTON H. SPAULDING. 

